Caci Dance, Traditional Dance From Flores NTT
Caci Dance is one of the traditional arts of a kind of typical war dance from the Manggarai community on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province. This dance is a traditional dance performed by 2 (two) male dancers who dance and also fight each other by using a whip and a shield as a weapon. Caci dance is also one of the famous traditional art in Flores Island, NTT Province. This dance is often displayed in various events such as during the harvest season (hang woja), new year ritual (pause), as well as various other traditional ceremonies.
Historically, this Caci Dance originated from a tradition of Manggarai society where men will fight each other one on one to test their courage and also their dexterity in the fight. This dance then developed into an art where there is dance movement, song, and also music accompaniment in enlivening the event. The name Caci Dance itself comes from the word ca meaning one and ci word meaning test. So this can be interpreted as a test dexterity in a way one on one.
As it functions, Caci Dance is a medium for Manggarai men to prove their masculinity, be it in terms of courage and dexterity. Although this dance contains elements of violence in it, this art has a message of peace in it like a spirit of sportsmanship, mutual respect, and also resolved without a grudge between them. it shows that they have the spirit and also the spirit of heroism within them.
Caci dance is performed by a group of male dancers armed with whips and shields. In the show, a group of dancers is divided into 2 (two) sections and competed for one on one. Before the dancers are contested, the show will first begin with Tandak Dance or Danding Dance Manggarai. This dance will be performed by male and female dancers as the opening of the show and enliven the Caci Dance show. After the opening dance is complete then proceed with the attraction of Caci Dance.
At the moment the two dancers will enter the arena, the dancers first to warm up by doing dance moves. Then they will challenge each other while singing traditional songs, then the game begins. In this attraction, there are some rules, namely the player can only hit on the upper part of his body as in the arms, back, or chest.
In addition, the dancers must be able to deflect or also avoid the opponent's attack. If not avoid, then he will be hit by an opponent attack and will leave his body injured, even bleeding. The defender will be declared defeated if exposed to the whip in his eyes. After all the dancers have been played, then both groups are gathered and will do handshakes or embrace as a sign of peace and no grudge between them.
In this Caci Dance performances will usually be accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as gongs and drums, as well as singing nenggo or dare from supporters. In this performance, each group usually has its own supporters. Just like in a sports match, the supporters will also be cheering and giving encouragement to the dancers to win.
In this Caci dance, dancers will use costumes like warriors who will advance to the battlefield. the costumes of these dancers usually only use the head cover (base) and also clothes on the bottom only, so that the body on the top without naked. On the head cover, the dancers use a mask made of hard animal buffalo skin and are used to protect the face from the opponent's attack.
While on the lower body will use white trousers and songket sarong typical of black Manggarai. As accessories are usually given bells that sounded following the movements of the dancers. In addition, dancers carry whips and shields as weapons, made of buffalo leather or cow that has been dried.
Caci dance is one of the traditional art that is well known and still preserved by the people of Manggarai on the island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Art is also still often displayed in various events such as harvest season (hang woja), new year ritual (pause), welcoming guests, and various other traditional events.
History of Caci Dance
Historically, this Caci Dance originated from a tradition of Manggarai society where men will fight each other one on one to test their courage and also their dexterity in the fight. This dance then developed into an art where there is dance movement, song, and also music accompaniment in enlivening the event. The name Caci Dance itself comes from the word ca meaning one and ci word meaning test. So this can be interpreted as a test dexterity in a way one on one.
Meaning And Values In Caci Dance
As it functions, Caci Dance is a medium for Manggarai men to prove their masculinity, be it in terms of courage and dexterity. Although this dance contains elements of violence in it, this art has a message of peace in it like a spirit of sportsmanship, mutual respect, and also resolved without a grudge between them. it shows that they have the spirit and also the spirit of heroism within them.
Caci Dance Performance
Caci dance is performed by a group of male dancers armed with whips and shields. In the show, a group of dancers is divided into 2 (two) sections and competed for one on one. Before the dancers are contested, the show will first begin with Tandak Dance or Danding Dance Manggarai. This dance will be performed by male and female dancers as the opening of the show and enliven the Caci Dance show. After the opening dance is complete then proceed with the attraction of Caci Dance.
At the moment the two dancers will enter the arena, the dancers first to warm up by doing dance moves. Then they will challenge each other while singing traditional songs, then the game begins. In this attraction, there are some rules, namely the player can only hit on the upper part of his body as in the arms, back, or chest.
The Whacked Dancers
In addition, the dancers must be able to deflect or also avoid the opponent's attack. If not avoid, then he will be hit by an opponent attack and will leave his body injured, even bleeding. The defender will be declared defeated if exposed to the whip in his eyes. After all the dancers have been played, then both groups are gathered and will do handshakes or embrace as a sign of peace and no grudge between them.
Dance of Caci Dance
In this Caci Dance performances will usually be accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as gongs and drums, as well as singing nenggo or dare from supporters. In this performance, each group usually has its own supporters. Just like in a sports match, the supporters will also be cheering and giving encouragement to the dancers to win.
Caci Dance Costume
In this Caci dance, dancers will use costumes like warriors who will advance to the battlefield. the costumes of these dancers usually only use the head cover (base) and also clothes on the bottom only, so that the body on the top without naked. On the head cover, the dancers use a mask made of hard animal buffalo skin and are used to protect the face from the opponent's attack.
While on the lower body will use white trousers and songket sarong typical of black Manggarai. As accessories are usually given bells that sounded following the movements of the dancers. In addition, dancers carry whips and shields as weapons, made of buffalo leather or cow that has been dried.
The Development of Caci Dance
Caci dance is one of the traditional art that is well known and still preserved by the people of Manggarai on the island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Art is also still often displayed in various events such as harvest season (hang woja), new year ritual (pause), welcoming guests, and various other traditional events.
